What Is A Perineal Abscess?

A perineal abscess is an infection of the glands in the immediate proximity of the rectum, or anus. Attempting to define a perineal abscess precisely can present a bit of a challenge, as there are abscesses having similar sounding names which occur in the same general area, including the perineal abscess. In addition, some of the terms used to define or describe abscesses in the region of the anus are often used interchangeably, including the more general terms, anorectal abscesses and anal abscesses. The different terminology or definitions often have to do with whether the abscess is near the surface or, more rarely, within deep tissue in the pelvic area.

Whatever the distinguishing characteristics may be, if you have a perineal abscess, you'll have a rather large pocket of infection and pus in the general area of the anus. Although there are almost as many things that can cause an abscess, as can cause an infection, an abscess is basically a pooling of pus in one location. Pus is made up of dead blood cells, white blood cells that have died in combat fighting harmful bacteria. Pus may also contain some blood, as well as bacteria which are often still quite alive.

Symptoms - An abscess can be painful, even a deep tissue abscess. The pain may be a dull throbbing pain, often the kind of pain associated with an infection, or a very sharp or intense pain if the abscess is pressing against tissue or itself is experiencing pressure. A perineal abscess is usually most painful during a bowel movement, or during sitting, when pressure is applied to the abscess and surrounding tissues.

A perineal abscess usually occurs when one of glands surrounding the anorectal canal somehow becomes plugged. When this happens, an infection will often occur, and as pus accumulates, an abscess forms. This should not be confused with hemorrhoids, which is a condition where blood vessels near the surface of anus and rectum become swollen. Hemorrhoids are more of a circulatory disorder, whereas a perineal abscess is an infection, and potentially a far greater danger.

Not To Be Ignored - While a perineal abscess may result in pain or even only slight discomfort, it should not be ignored. While it can at times be a bit difficult to diagnose, especially if deeper tissues are involved, it needs to be dealt with. While the condition can be treated at home, there is always a danger of the infection spreading into the bloodstream. If this happens, the affected individual can become extremely ill in a short period of time, and blood poisoning can be potentially fatal.

As the immune system fights the infection, the abscess may burst, releasing pus into other spaces around the rectum and the anus. This will usually result in an immediate feeling of relief. The relief may be permanent if the immune system has been successful in fighting the infection, or the condition could become more serious if the immune system has been unable to halt the infection and it begins to spread.

When Hemorrhoids Are Not The Cause - Although the symptoms of a perineal abscess may mimic those of hemorrhoids, the pain resulting from an abscess will tend to appear quite rapidly, usually over the course of a very few days. When one suffers from hemorrhoids, the pain usually comes on gradually, over a period of weeks, or even months. Another sign that the pain may be the result of a perineal abscess is that it is likely to gradually increase in intensity, while the pain due to hemorrhoids tends to ebb and flow. Finally, when a perineal abscess has occurred, swelling in the form of a lump near the anus will sometimes be present.